Ralf Rangnick: 'Marcus Rashford is one of the top strikers in England'

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has backed Marcus Rashford to "play a very important role" for the rest of the season after a positive few days for the attacker.

The England international's form has been criticised in recent weeks, but he came off the bench to score against Brentford on Wednesday night before netting the late winner against West Ham United on Saturday.

The back-to-back victories have moved the Red Devils into fourth spot in the Premier League table, and Rangnick has lavished praise on the 24-year-old after his late show against the Hammers.

"He is one of the top strikers in England. He has what every modern striker needs - speed, skills. Those two goals have raised the level of confidence within Marcus. Now it's about showing its on a regular basis. He can play a very important role," Rangnick told reporters.

Rashford has now scored five times and registered one assist in 17 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign.

However, the Englishman has not started a Premier League match since playing the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on December 27.